Ok, so how many of you have a gymnast that is not able to hold their handstand for more than a couple seconds? The problem is not a lack of trying, if anything, the gymnast has probably tried every trick out there; no, the real problem is the technique of the handstand. If I could rate skills from least to greatest importance I would definitely rate the handstand as number one, because the handstand is a lead up skill for just about everything. No handstand, no flic-flac. See the point?? As coaches, our number one job is to help fulfill every goal the gymnast has. How can we do that if we do not start by teaching them the right technique?
Here is one of my favorite handstand stations of all times.
(1) Wall Handstand
- Ready, Begin: Start by having your gymnast kick up into a handstand against a wall. Have your gymnast hold the handstand, see the tip section, for thirty seconds. If your gymnast can't do this at first, don't worry, you can break those 30 seconds down into increments. After time, your gymnast will be able to hold a handstand against a wall for a minute or longer.
- Coaches Time: Check to make sure your gymnast is pressing tall through her shoulders and is pressing her rib cage to the wall.
- Tip: If you want your gymnast to hold that handstand don't forget to teach them to put all their pressure on their palms. This is also a great drill for working on handstand position on vault.
Below are a couple of examples to help you maximize your time while teaching the correct technique of a handstand every time.
This video provides some great drills and side stations you can add to your daily warm-up.
Have any more drills to share with readers, feel free to share them in the comment section below.
As always, Keep Calm and Work the Technique!!
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